Book of Jonah - Chapter 1 - Verse 10
Meaning
When the men in the story of Jonah found out that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, they were exceedingly afraid. This reaction stemmed from their knowledge of the power and authority of the LORD, which inspired a sense of reverence and fear in them. Their question to Jonah, "Why hast thou done this?" reflects their confusion and concern over his actions. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and obeying the will of the LORD, as running away from His presence only leads to fear and uncertainty. The men's reaction highlights the consequences of disobedience and the impact it can have on those around us. Through this verse, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own actions and choices, ensuring they align with the will of the LORD to avoid similar feelings of fear and confusion.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see the men on the ship being exceedingly afraid and questioning why Jonah had caused a storm to arise. The theological interpretation of this passage reveals Jonah's disobedience to God's command to go to Nineveh. Instead, Jonah chose to flee from the presence of the Lord, resulting in the storm. The men recognized this disobedience and were fearful of the consequences. This verse highlights the theme of consequences for disobedience and the importance of following God's will. Furthermore, this passage demonstrates the belief in the power and presence of God, as the men knew that Jonah was fleeing from the Lord's presence. The word study on 'afraid' reveals a deep sense of fear and awe in the men as they realized the gravity of the situation. 'Done this' signifies the actions that Jonah took, leading to the storm and putting the men's lives in danger. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of heeding God's will.